The 2016 TLX Is a Practical Offering From Acura Meant To Compete Against the Numerous Other Quality Luxury Sedans

What changes will make it different?

It was a bold when Acura decided to axe two popular models in the TL and TSX and replace them with the TLX. The move seems to be paying off, as the 2015 TLX is an improvement sales-wise on both of the discarded sedans it replaced. Because the car is completely new for ’15, significant changes are unlikely. However, rumor has it that a coupe and even a performance coupe could be on the way for model-year 2016.

Why should I wait for the 2016?

Unless you really like the idea of a coupe version, there’s little reason to wait. The car is too new and is selling too well for any major changes to be coming so soon in its lifecycle.

Should I buy a 2015 model instead?

Sometimes it’s wise to skip the very first year of a new vehicle to give the manufacturer a chance to iron out any bugs. But this is an Acura, so there usually aren’t issues to fix. If you like what you see, check out the ’15 edition.

Will the styling be different?

Probably not, although there are plenty of interesting renderings on the Internet of how the coupe might look.

Any mechanical changes?

The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection and variable valve timing is expected to appear in the model-year 2016 ILX, so there’s little chance of any major mechanical changes coming to the TLX. What the new ILX won’t be getting, though, is the 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 that is available as an option in the TLX. The TLX also offers more in terms of transmission options, with the four-cylinder coming with the eight-speed dual clutch unit that is going into the ILX, and the V-6 coming with the highly commended nine-speed automatic.

Will fuel economy improve?

It’s doubtful that either engine option will provide an additional boost for ’16. Both units already deliver good highway figures but are a bit lacking overall. The base four-cylinder with front-wheel drive rates at 24 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg combined. Stepping up to the V-6 isn’t too painful in the mileage department, with figures of 21 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined.

Will it have new features?

If you like plenty of technology, you won’t be disappointed here; even base trims come as standard with daytime running lights, loads of safety equipment, Siri Eyes Free interface, integrated text and email messaging, Bluetooth phone connectivity, Sirius XM radio, USB/iPod interface and much more. If that isn’t enough, you can add Technology and Advance packages to really ramp up your gadget quotient.

How will 2016 prices be different?

For the ’15, the car starts at $31,890 for the four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive base version. Prices are unlikely to change much so soon in the car’s lifecycle. Expect an increase of no more than a few hundred bucks, if there’s an increase at all.

When will it come out?

The release date should be sometime near the end of 2015. If there is a coupe, it will probably go on sale at around the same time or perhaps in the fall.

Best competitors

What changes would make it better?

Some commentators bemoan the lack of a wagon variant, and others miss the option of a manual transmission. But perhaps the main areas where it could improve are the interior, where the materials feel a little below par for a premium offering, and the fuel economy.

Quick hit

As well as rumors of a coupe, there are some whispers of a Type-S model for those that want a sportier and more aggressive-looking take on the luxury sedan. While many people would like to see a Type-S that follows in the footsteps of the Honda Civic Type-R, don’t hold your breath. Honda still won’t give us the Type-R in the United States, but with the NSX now being resurrected under the Acura banner, it’s likely we’ll get a performance version of a TLX coupe long before we ever see the Civic Type-R in the United States.

About Chuck Giametta

This nationally recognized, award-winning writer brings to Carpreview.com two decades of automotive testing and reporting for newspapers, books, magazines, and the Internet. The former Executive Auto Editor of Consumer Guide, Chuck has covered cars for HowStuffWorks.com, Collectible Automobile magazine, and the Publications International Ltd. automotive book series. This ex-newspaper reporter has also appeared as an automotive expert on network television and radio. He’s a charter member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association, the president of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Media association, and a juror for the annual Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year awards. Chuck writes from Colorado Springs, Colo. If you have a question for Chuck, write to him at [email protected]